The most extensive study yet on the effects of catch and release on salmon/steelhead has been done the previous 2 years on hundreds of Willamette R. hatchery springers - fish which are not quite as tough and hardy as large native steelhead. This study was conducted by ODFW under supervision by the NMFS, and the results were used to justify a sportfishery on Columbia spingers this year; opened for the first time in 28 years. The Feds wanted certain verifiable evidence that the survival rate on C&R'd springers would be high enough to allow fishing among the ESA (Endangered Species Act) protected native springers being caught and released during this fishery last April. >

The results of a variety of release types (combining proper and improper release methods and tagging as such) showed an overall survival rate of 93%. Keep in mind these C&R'd fish had to make it over the Willamette Falls fish ladders afterward, and then some 100+ miles up to the Middle Fork hatchery. Interestingly, they found a higher survival of fish that had taken bait deep and had the leader cut for a release method than fish that took treble hook lures and had the hooks pried from their mouths. So yes 'Pirate, even taken deep the single hooks were less lethal than barbed trebles yanked out.

Those are factual study statistics; obtainable from the ODFW or the NMFS. What specific LEGIT studies would make many of us by unhappy hearing about? And what were the verified results?

If there is anything that has been learned the last 50 years it is that wild steelhead need to be realeased to keep their runs healthy over the long term! Please take a quick picture and measurement of any trophys and carefully release them. If there are indeed healthy runs left somewhere LET'S KEEP THEM THAT WAY.

RT